My main problem with this crankset is the poor clearance from the central axle area to my ankle on the drive side. I clipped my ankle so many times (very painful, BTW!) that I finally retired the crankset in favour of a Shimano SLX. This only happened when I was riding clipless pedals (Time Z-pedal) and never happened with platforms. I tried adjusting the cleat position on the shoe but it made little improvement.

The other weakness in my opinion is the assembly which uses a traditional through-bolt as opposed to Shimano's pinch bolt system which I like much better (and doesn't require a zillion foot pounds of torque to assemble).

I gave the product a 'good' rating because it is probably fine for riders intending to go platform.

These are strong cranks that are basically, set and forget. They seem burly enough for downhill, yet still come at a reasonable weight for trail riding. I've set up mine with an RF bash guard or a E13 Turbocharger and a Blackspire Stinger and run it 22-36.
The only flaw is the BB bearings. They started to become crunchy after a few months. I replaced the bearings with Enduros and it has become the perfect AM crank. There have been no loosening, or chain suck whatsoever. The rings pick up the chain well. On some shifts there is derailment, but that is fixed by proper adjustment of the FD. Not bad considering the 22-36 set up. On 22-32 there were no issues of derailment.

At this price, however, they should have come with better bearings.
5/5 if for the cranks without the BB, 4/4 if including the BB.

Arms and Rings seem to be fantastic thus far but, after a couple hundred miles at most, the bearings started to grind. Don't really know what that was about. Got a King BB and all is at balance in the world :). I'm a firm believer in "you get what you pay for" so I'm not one to preach about how overpriced gear is. These are a great value for a good upgrade but if you simply need the best go grab a set of XTRs.... Personally, I'm just not one for Shimano. If you agree, get these and a King BB for the same price as an XTR set, and put a big grin on your face! Hope that helps.

hey guys, am i going to be losing to much if i go with the older crank, i am a clyde so if the 09 would be significantly more durable i would go with that, otherwise sould i save the 100 bucks and go with the olderRead More »

So with a new son and being crazy busy at work I have been absent for awhile. Now that things a settling down I figured I would give you guys an update on the Altas. I still have a small pile of parts that I have not bolted on (d-boy levers, x-9 shifters, and the x-0 rear der) but I am getting the ... Read More »

as you might know, I'm looking to go to a new frame. something a bit longer travel and a bit slacker than my current GT I-Drive 4. I've narrowed my search down to 6 frames that fit the criteria, those being the Sette Flite-AM, the Ibex Atlas Expert, the Transition Covert, the Transition Preston-FR, ... Read More »